Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 3.djvu/895

 PRCX::LAMATI0N 6398—DEC. 23, 1991 105 STAT. 2779 of separation from family and friends remaining in the Old World, the despair felt by those few who were not admitted and forced to retiun to their countries. Whatever om* personal histories, who does not recall the pictures—a woman in a head scarf holding a wide-eyed child, a man burdened with his belongings and tools of his trade, a 45-star flag perched above a full waiting room of anxious people—and not felt a breath of recognition; a twinge of silent pain; or, most of all, a feeling of gratitude that our ancestors chose to live or remain in this, the freest, greatest country on Earth? America's history has long been a story of immigrants, and today Ellis Island stands as a glorious reminder that new chapters are being added to that narrative each day. Thus, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this historic place, evocative symbol of so much of om* Nation's heritage, let us not only salute the many generous contributors who made its renovation possible but also offer a warm welcome to the inunigrants of today—our fellow Americans of tomorrow. The Congress, by Public Law 102-177, has designated January 1, 1992, as "National Ellis Island Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim January 1, 1992, as National Ellis Island Day. I invite all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- third day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth. GEORGE BUSH

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